University of Michigan consumer sentiment index hits record low in early April

10th Apr 2026 15:21

(Sharecast News) - US consumer sentiment slumped in early April, with a preliminary reading of the University of Michigan's index dropping 11% to 47.6 - its lowest level on record and well below expectations of 52.

The survey period was almost entirely completed before the US/Israel-Iran two-week ceasefire announcement, highlighting the immediate impact of the Iran conflict on confidence.

Expectations for business conditions over the next year fell 20%, while assessments of personal finances dropped 11%, with respondents pointing to rising prices and falling asset values.

Short‑term inflation expectations jumped to 4.8% from 3.8% in March - the largest monthly rise since April 2025 - while long‑term expectations increased to 3.4%, the highest since November 2025.

Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com